Cologne is known for creating the world's most famous eau de Cologne: 4711. The Mail on Sunday's Tamara Hinson visited the city to learn more about its fascinating history.

I pop into Cafe Jansen, an elegant, old-style coffee house where, sure enough, Kolsch is readily available. Cologne's other miracle water tastes a whole lot better, I imagine, than a swig of 4711.

Elsewhere, you can still visit the original 1792 building where, according to 4711's own historical account, a Carthusian monk gave a young entrepreneur, Wilhelm Muelhens, a wedding present.

Cologne brand 4711 has become a cult fragrance, but one of their best kept secrets is that their formula dates back to the 17th century.

COLOGNE, Germany — The first sweet whiff of 4711 Eau de Cologne wafts by us as we leave the Café Reichard terrace overlooking the city’s Gothic cathedral and stroll down Hohe Strasse. At the ...